At NE Physio, we provide specialist proximal humerus fracture rehabilitation in Newcastle upon Tyne, helping you restore shoulder movement, rebuild strength, and return to the activities that matter most.

A proximal humerus fracture can have a significant impact on your daily life. Simple tasks such as dressing, washing, driving, lifting, or reaching overhead can become challenging following a shoulder fracture. Whether your injury has been managed conservatively in a sling or surgically, a structured rehabilitation programme is often essential for achieving the best possible recovery.

Our experienced physiotherapists create personalised treatment plans designed to restore function, improve confidence, and help you return to normal activities as safely and efficiently as possible.

What is a Proximal Humerus Fracture?

A proximal humerus fracture is a break in the upper part of the arm bone (humerus) close to the shoulder joint.

These fractures commonly occur following falls, sporting injuries, cycling accidents, or trauma. They are particularly common in older adults following falls onto an outstretched hand or directly onto the shoulder.

Depending on the severity and position of the fracture, treatment may involve a period of immobilisation in a sling or surgical fixation to stabilise the bone while it heals.

Following healing, physiotherapy plays an important role in restoring shoulder movement, strength, and function.

Symptoms Following a Proximal Humerus Fracture

You may benefit from physiotherapy if you experience:

• Shoulder pain following a fracture
• Stiffness and reduced shoulder movement
• Weakness around the shoulder
• Difficulty lifting your arm
• Reduced confidence using the affected arm
• Difficulty dressing or washing
• Pain when reaching overhead
• Difficulty returning to work, sport, or daily activities

Many patients experience significant stiffness and weakness after immobilisation, even once the fracture has healed.

Common Causes of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Proximal humerus fractures commonly occur due to:

• Falls onto the shoulder
• Falls onto an outstretched arm
• Sporting injuries
• Cycling accidents
• Road traffic accidents
• Slips and trips
• Osteoporosis-related fractures
• Direct trauma to the shoulder

Understanding the nature of your injury and treatment pathway helps guide rehabilitation and recovery.

Our Proximal Humerus Fracture Rehabilitation Approach

Your rehabilitation begins with a comprehensive assessment of your shoulder function, mobility, strength, and current stage of healing.

We assess:

• Shoulder movement and stiffness
• Pain levels
• Muscle strength
• Functional limitations
• Balance and confidence
• Work and activity goals
• Surgical and medical history where applicable

Following your assessment, we create a personalised rehabilitation programme which may include:

• Gentle mobility exercises
• Shoulder range of motion rehabilitation
• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Functional movement retraining
• Postural rehabilitation
• Activity modification advice
• Return-to-work planning
• Return-to-sport rehabilitation

Our treatment approach is designed to progress safely according to fracture healing timelines while helping you regain confidence in your shoulder.

How Long Does Recovery Take After a Proximal Humerus Fracture?

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the fracture, your age, overall health, and whether surgery was required.

Bone healing typically occurs over several weeks, but restoring shoulder mobility and strength often takes longer. Many patients continue to make improvements for several months following injury.

Physiotherapy plays an important role in reducing stiffness, improving function, and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Why Choose NE Physio for Proximal Humerus Fracture Rehabilitation in Newcastle?

• Specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists
• One-to-one personalised rehabilitation sessions
• Evidence-based fracture rehabilitation programmes
• Expertise in shoulder injuries and recovery
• Focus on restoring movement and function
• Convenient Newcastle upon Tyne clinic location

Whether your goal is returning to work, driving, exercising, or simply regaining independence with everyday tasks, we can help support your recovery.

Recovery and Results

Our proximal humerus fracture rehabilitation programmes are designed to help you:

• Reduce pain and stiffness
• Restore shoulder movement
• Improve shoulder strength
• Regain independence in daily activities
• Return to work and hobbies safely
• Improve confidence in your shoulder

We guide you through every stage of your rehabilitation with a clear and personalised treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Not Sure If You Need Physiotherapy After a Shoulder Fracture?

If you're unsure whether your shoulder fracture requires physiotherapy, we offer a free telephone consultation to discuss your recovery and advise on the most appropriate next steps.

Book Proximal Humerus Fracture Physiotherapy in Newcastle

Get an expert assessment and personalised rehabilitation plan for your shoulder fracture today.

Book your appointment with NE Physio in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Or call 07881 237839 to discuss how we can help you recover and return to the activities you enjoy.